John Mandrola

I am a doctor that specializes in treating heart rhythm disorders.My guidance counselor in high school said that I wasn’t smart enough to be a doctor. That motivated me to work hard, and soon I discovered that working hard pays extraordinary dividends.I am a husband of 20 years. My wife, Staci is a doctor too. As a hospice and palliative care specialist, she relieves human suffering. We talk a lot. We are best friends and cycling buddies. This helps me, bunches. I am a father of two children: one in college and the other high school. We all like each other–which is very nice. Raising teenagers proved more challenging than any marathon or bike race.I have been a lifelong exerciser, having started as a runner, then a triathlete, and for the last decade, a bike racer. I am pretty fast, but not fast enough to take racing too seriously. I ride all sorts of bikes--mountain, cyclocross, and road. I am happiest when pedaling any of these bikes.As a doctor, I am a vigorous advocate for making smart lifestyle choices as the primary means for achieving health. There is little doubt in my mind that preventing disease is far better than treating it. As an American, I believe our country’s continued success in the world hinges on having a more educated and healthy citizenry. I believe that success–in most anything–comes from mastering the obvious. This is especially true in practicing medicine, going fast on the bike, living well and being happy. I strongly believe in the connection between the physical heart and the spiritual heart. In other words, being good-hearted is heart-healthy.My most troublesome weakness is...My greatest life challenge is finding balance. For instance: Exercising enough to be fast and competitive, but not too much to be tired and fatigued; eating some sweets, but not too many; educating myself to be smarter, but not so much to compromise time with friends and family. Balance is health, and I struggle with it just like most of us do.I'm looking forward to